Federico Martinez

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Federico Martinez (RA6674819), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 31 January 1951, Company G was assigned the mission of attacking Hill 262, south of Chungson-gok, Korea. The enemy was well entrenched in concealed positions along the crest of the hill. With mortars and heavy machine guns the enemy had successfully held up the advance of another company of this battalion for several hours. Sergeant Martinez’s platoon was designated the assault platoon during this attack. As the platoon was neared the top of the hill, the enemy fire became so intense that the advance faltered. Completely ignoring his personal safety, Sergeant Martinez rushed to the front of his platoon and charged a machine gun nest alone. He killed the crew with his rifle and hand grenades. Quickly catching the spirit of the attack from Sergeant Martinez his platoon rallied and soon secured the hill. His inspiring action gave his platoon the spark of aggressiveness that made a second assault of the enemy positions unnecessary and consequently saved many lives. The gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Martinez reflect great credit on himself and the military service.